REVEALED: The top 35 fastest

Fast casual chain Cava is the top fastest-growing food spot in the US this year, new data from Yelp has revealed. 

The review site has revealed the 35 fastest-growing food and restaurant businesses in the US, amid its rundown of the 50 fastest growing brands for 2024.

In order to compile the list, the company took into account several measures. This included new business openings, the amount of times consumers visited a business page or posted photos and reviews, and the number of searches for a brand on the platform. 

All of the top five companies on the list are so-called 'challenger brands', defined as businesses that are not market leaders but aim to compete by disrupting the industry - and are fast becoming household staples. Established names like Popeyes and Cinnabon are there too.

So, is your favorite on the list?

The review site has revealed the 35 fastest-growing food and restaurant businesses in the US

1. Cava

Topping the list is Cava, the fast casual restaurant that aims to bring Mediterranean traditions and cuisine to the masses.

In 2023 alone, the chain - which aims to offer a healthier dining option - opened 72 new locations across the US.

According to Yelp data, the brand saw a 54 percent increase in consumer interest nationwide from 2023 compared to 2022, not to mention claiming the fastest growing brand spot in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Alabama. 

While known for its healthy bowls, Cava's drinks are especially popular, including pineapple apple mint and blueberry lavender, which customers regularly praise on the site.

The company went public through an IPO in June 2023, raising nearly $318 million. 

2. Scooter's Coffee

This Midwestern chain saw a 51 percent increase in consumer interest in 2023 compared to the year prior, Yelp said.  

Founded in Nebraska in 1998, the chain has only recently started expanding more rapidly through franchised locations - seeing a 53 percent jump in net new locations in 2023. This was the largest percentage growth of any food brand on the list.

The drive-thru coffee spot was also the fastest growing brand specifically in the Midwest, with a 50 percent increase in consumer interest in the region. 

3. LongHorn Steakhouse

This casual dining restaurant, owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. 

Consumer interest in the brand was up 38 percent last year, according to Yelp.

According to CNBC, the restaurant had more than 560 locations in the US at the end of the 2023 fiscal year - and plans to open at least 50 more in the 2024 financial year.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the brand's sales have consistently outperformed industry averages, which has been fueled in part by the growth of its takeout business.

4. The Habit Burger Grill

The burger chain had less than 280 locations when it was bought by restaurant company Yum! Brands in 2020. 

At the end of last year this had jumped to 378, according to CNBC. 

By Yelp's metric, the brand has seen a 29 percent increase in consumer interest.  

5. Wawa

While Wawa may be known as a convenience store and gas station chain, it also serves Philadelphia favorites including hoagies and cheesesteaks. 

Interest in the brand surged a huge 88 percent in 2023, Yelp said, as it expanded outside the city and into other parts of the country. 

Wawa saw its grab-and-go food offerings resonate, with consumer interest nationally up 88 percent. According to Yelp data, the chain saw its fastest growth in Virginia, Florida and New Jersey, where consumer interest surged 137 percent. 

6. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

It is no secret that Americans love fried chicken, placing this beloved comfort food spot among the fastest growing brands. 

The chain, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has over 3,000 restaurants in the US, saw a consumer interest increase of 34 percent in 2023.

According to Yelp, it was also the third fastest growing brand in the Northeast, where it saw a 52 percent bump. 

7. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's sells Midwestern comfort food which reflects the warmth and familiarity of the region's cuisine. 

In particular, it made major headway into the tri-state area, with a landslide of consumer interest in New Jersey, up 232 percent from a year ago, Yelp said.

8. Olive Garden

The Italian-inspired chain is the most successful of the restaurants owned and operated by Darden Restaurants. 

With nearly 900 restaurants in the US, and more than $4.9 billion in annual sales, it accounts for nearly half of the company's overall revenue. 

In the fiscal year 2023, it also opened about 20 new locations across the country. 

9. Jersey Mike's Subs

With around 2,700 locations, Jersey Mike's is the second biggest sandwich chain in the US - trailing only Subway. 

It is also growing rapidly, according to CNBC, with most of its restaurants in California, Florida and Texas.  

10. Sprouts Farmers Market

Despite its name, Sprouts Farmers Market is not only a supermarket chain, but also offers deli-style food to go.  

The Phoenix-founded company opened its first store in 2002 'in an effort to make natural foods accessible to everyone', it said. 

Today it has more than 380 stores in 23 states with approximately 31,000 team members. 

Other fast food chains and restaurants which are included in the top 35 included long-standing favorites such as Jack in the Box, Panera Bread, Panda Express, Cinnabon and Waffle House. 

Very good!（64）